Get A Professional Mold Inspection
Your first step should be a comprehensive mold and indoor air quality inspection from a professional mold removal company. The main reason you want an inspection, even if you can see the mold, is that mold is tricky. Mold grows inside of its food sources and you probably can only see a part of the problem. An inspection will help you find all the mold and define how much damage really exists.
The company you choose for the inspection should offer a comprehensive mold inspection that you pay for, not hand over a price without truly investigating the problem. Your inspector should define the extent of the necessary work and what may or may not need to be done. The inspector should talk you through all your options and tailor a plan that fits your needs and your budget.
Check out our post: Do You Have Mold? How to Choose Between a Paid or Free Mold Inspection to learn about a problem we helped a homeowner with that was NOT mold.
Is It A Mold Smell Or Mildew Smell
Mold smell and mildew smell are generally used interchangeably when referring to “that” smell in the home.
But are they the same thing?
Yes and No.
Mold and mildew are both fungi.
While both from the same family there are many differences.
However
The main difference is mildew generally grows on surfaces whereas mold will actually penetrate the surfaces.
When the average person is referring to an moldy odor or mildew odor, they generally are referring to the same thing.
Symptoms Of Mold In Your Home
Sometimes you can visibly see or smell mold growing, but other times it is more difficult to detect. Tight spaces such as in attics, behind cabinets, and in crawl spaces are not places people are likely to venture.
There are 3 ways to tell if you have mold: 1 you might see it, 2 you will probably smell it, but 3 a comprehensive mold inspection by Branch Environmental will definitely find it! The best way to know if you have mold is to get a comprehensive mold inspection performed. Keep reading to learn more about how you can identify the symptoms of mold in your home, and why a professional inspection is so important.
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What Do I Do When I Suspect Mold Is In My Home
The first thing to do in any situation is to check for visible leaks or spots. If you cannot identify it, does not mean there is not anything wrong. Spraying an air freshener or using regular cleaning methods will not be appropriate because you need special methods to remove it properly.
Hire a professional inspector to run tests on your walls, or any place that may have gotten moisture inside. Professionals will be able to identify where the spots are, as well as the larger problem causing it. You may have poor insulation throughout your home that needs fixing or a leak that has gone unchecked. After your home is remediated, schedule regular appointments with a specialist to make sure everything is clean.
Why Mold Identification Is Important
The starting point for any form of intervention by way of treatment requires proper identification. Without identification, theres no way of knowing what the problem is and how to go about resolving it.
Also, certain mold variants are considered more harmful than others.
As such, its necessary to understand how dangerous the mold situation is. This allows for better handling of the situation.
Having stated the reasons for basement mold identification, lets get into the basics of our discussion that is, pointing out key characteristics of basement mold.
So what does mold smell like in walls?
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Why Does My Basement Smell Like Fish
Does your basement smell like fish? A distinct fishy smell in your basement is likely due to an electrical component that is loose, overheating, or burning. Loose or distressed cords, improperly loaded circuits, malfunctioning outlets, or inadequately sized fuses or breakers could potentially be the culprit.
How Can I Prevent Mold In My Walls
You should participate in routine building maintenance to ensure you do not have a problem. It grows where there is moisture left for a long period. That is why you should attend to water damage and leaks right away.
Make sure you are also controlling the humidity level in your home. This means putting better ventilation in places like the laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom. Always run the air conditioner or a dehumidifier in hot summer months.
In case of a flood, make sure you wash and dry everything thoroughly. Hire a professional to clean your house after a flood and ensure there is no moisture left in your house.
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Whatshould You Do If You Think You Smell Mold
If you suspect mold is present but do not see mold or have an active leak, the next step is to test for mold. You can choose from a variety of DIY options or hire a professional mold inspector.
Since the smell is a sign that mold is actively growing in your home your next step after testing is to remediate the mold problem as soon as possible.
What Does Mold Smell Like In Walls
If your home or office always has a musty smell, even after a deep cleaning with bleach , you might have mold growth lurking behind the drywall in a room.
While a mold problem can affect air quality and create a host of problems for homeowners and businesses, mold removal and remediation can make a huge difference.
What is Mold?
Mold consists of little cells that can reproduce and spread through the air as mold spores and grow in damp and humid spaces. As the mold clings to surfaces like drywall, carpets, and air vents, it will create a musty odor.
Is There a Difference Between Mold and Mildew?
People use the term mildew to describe different types of mold and fungus broadly, according to the EPA. Practically speaking, there really is no difference between mold and mildew. They are both a fungus that can grow in damp areas.
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold growth can happen anywhere there is water damage or poor air circulation. Most homeowners are familiar with mold growth in their basements caused by a water leak or flooding.
While a dehumidifier can improve the air quality and dampness in a home or business, this type of remediation doesnt stop black mold growth.
What Are the Dangers of Mold?
A common misconception is that the smell of mold is what causes health issues. While the musty odor of mold can be unpleasant, it wont harm you and can be reduced with air fresheners. The only way to completely eliminate the musty mold odor is to get rid of the mold itself.
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Can Mold Behind Walls Make You Sick
Just because you are not in close contact with a substance, does not mean it is not harmful. Even when it is behind walls, mold can make you sick. It can also make you ill even if you see it and it does not smell like anything.
You are especially at risk if you have asthma or allergies. Other people especially vulnerable to the substance include young children, the elderly, people with lung diseases, or people with compromised immune systems. It can even cause breathing complications in pets.
Having it inside your walls can also cause structural issues on your property. It will feed on the wooden structure in your house until it rots and breaks down. You will then have to keep repainting and repairing walls! In this way, it can make both you and your house sick when left unchecked.
What Are Mold And Mildew
Mildew vs. Mold: Mildew has a flat growth pattern, while mold has more of a textured, raised growth pattern.
In a nutshell, the term mildew describes certain types of mold or fungus, and generically refers to mold that grows flat and remains on a materials surface. Mildew likes to grow where moisture levels are high, like shower walls and windowsills. Thankfully, mildew can be treated easily and does not usually require hiring a professional. There are several ways to clean and remove mildew but no matter which you choose, it is best to wear a face mask and keep the area you are cleaning well-ventilated.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , mold are fungi that are found indoors and outside. No one is sure how many species of mold exist, but estimates range from the tens of thousands to maybe three hundred thousand or more.
You can find mold in many different places throughout your home from the tiles in your shower to the crawl space in your basement. The majority of mold favor dark, damp, and warm environments, and anywhere that possesses those characteristics should be at the top of your list when you begin to look for the source of the musty smell in your home.
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Floods & Plumbing Leaks
Any infiltration of water is a common cause of mold inside walls.
This can occur naturally from weather such as heavy rains or because of an issue within the home.
Examples include:
- Leak in pipes or from the roof
- Water heater malfunction
- Sewer line backup
If this happens, remove the water right away and dry the area as fast as possible.
The less water, the better, and the faster it gets cleaned up the less likely it is to spread and cause more damage.
Persistent Cough Or Cold
Have you been fighting a cough that just wont seem to go away? Prolonged exposure to mold mayexacerbate respiratory illnesses, like persistent or recurring bronchitis and pneumonia. The first line of defense is to consult with your doctor for treatment and to rule out any other underlying illnesses. If there are other indications of a mold problem in your home, this must also be treated by professionals promptly and comprehensively.
Are you suffering from a pesky cough or cold that just doesn’t seem to go away? Mold in your home may be to blame. To treat the problem promptly and comprehensively, call the experts at ProClean Pensacola at 484-8500. #MoldRemoval#MoldRemediation#PersistentCough
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What Does Mold Need To Grow
Mold thrives on moisture and has the best chance to spread in areas that are often unseen on a regular basis. Damp basements are frequent incubators of mold but many are surprised to see mold in the attic as well. All the moist, warm air in a house tends to rise and collect in the attic. Cold roofs in the winter can provide a catalyst for condensation which promotes mold growth.
Moisture
Like plants and humans, mold needs water to live. As long as moisture is present, mold growth will continue.
Food Source
While mold can grow on many surfaces, common building materials are highly susceptible to supporting outbreaks. Sheetrock, plywood, lumber, and insulation materials are common sites for growth.
Favorable Temperature
The common perception is that an area must be warm and damp for mold to grow. In fact, it grows well in temperatures from 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower range is much cooler than many expect.
What Does Mold Smell Like In A House
What does mold smell like in a house? No one likes to think about mold but its something that you need to be aware of, especially if you own a home. The thing about mold is that it can go undetected for months at a time. This is because it can start out very small so there are virtually no visual signs of a mold infestation. Once you notice mold on your walls or in your vents, the problem is already widespread. Therefore, you need to rely on your other senses and some additional clues to figure out if mold is making its way into your living space.
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Is Black Mold Harmful
Theres no link to inhaled Stachybotrys chartarum mycotoxins and deadly diseases. But there are risks for people with allergies, asthma, and other hypersensitivities. There is no evidence that black mold causes symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, an inability to focus, or a headache.
What Does Mildew Smell Like
When people say something smells musty, they often mean they smell mildew. Mildew in the house can smell like wet socks, rotting wood or paper. Mildew is an early form of mold and a quick way to determine which one you have is to see if the smell persists after youve ventilated the area. If the smell persists then you likely have mold but if it goes away you probably have mildew.
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If You Smell Signs Of A Black Mold Infestation You Should Act Now
You should not wait to face health issues or structural damage to your home due to a tiny mold colony. If you smell a musty odor or notice signs of mold contact your friendly professional environmental services company today to have your house checked and gain back your peace of mind.
To get a free consultation or schedule a mold inspection in the Walltownship, NJ area with GreenWorks, visit ourcontact page or call .
First published: Updated:
Common Causes Of Water Damage Leading To Mold Smells
There are multiple reasons why your house can smell moldy due to mold but they all have one common factor which was stated earlier
Water damage.
It can come in many forms:
- Appliance leaks such as your refridgerator line or ice maker
- Air conditioning leak
When these types of leaks aren’t cleaned up quickly, mold can start to grow and let off odors.
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Allergy Or Asthma Flare
Certain species of mold release a harmful substance calledmycotoxin, which can trigger respiratory issues for those with allergies and asthma . Have you found yourself sneezing, coughing, feeling fatigued or blowing your nose no matter the time of year? It may be time to give the home a thorough inspection.
Have you been experiencing an increase in your allergy and asthma symptoms? Mold in your home may be the culprit. If you suspect that your home has a mold problem, it’s critical that you act fast. Trust the Experts. Trust ProClean. #MoldRemediation#MoldAssessment#MoldRemoval
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Preventing Mold Forming In Walls
The best way to prevent mold from forming is to limit moisture and water from getting on your walls.
There are several ways to do this including more insulation, sealing cracks, keeping areas such as bathrooms and basements dry as well as running dehumidifiers.
You can keep shower doors open after using so the water escapes and wipe the floor too.
Good Ventilation inside your home is extremely important as well to prevent any mold from forming in your walls.
Open windows, use bathroom fans and make sure your home has good ventilation where its needed.
Keep humidity to a minimum, especially in areas more prone to this.
The recommended moisture reading level is 50% or less.
Look for leaks in ceilings and on the roof. Should you have any, repair right away.
This is another significant measure to prevent mold from getting into walls.
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How To Remove A Musty Smell From Your Home
Possible sources of musty smells in your home: If you smell something musty, try looking for mold growth in the rooms pictured above!
It is not always fun to read about how mold and mildew can be affecting your home and health, but it is essential information to have. Now that we have gone over the basics, it is time to take action so you can get that musty smell out of your home.
Why Does My House Smell
There are no detectors out there that will indicate the presence of bad smells. Its up to your nose to tell you theres a stinky smell in the house. Its important to know what those odors are, and what you can do about them.
Im not just talking about noticing and avoiding volatile organic compounds when you smell them. Im talking about training your nose to recognize dangerous odors that warn of potentially lethal outcomes such as a natural gas leak, an electrical fire or septic gas.
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Fungus In The Furniture
Mildew is attracted to moist leather and wood, and mold particles are more likely to be retained in porous materials like upholstered furniture and foam. Frequently inspect thefibers of your furniturefor any discolored spots, fuzz or spores.
Does your furniture seem a little funky? Mold particles are attracted to porous materials like upholstered furniture and foam. Be sure to inspect the fibers of your couches and chairs for any discolored spots, fuzz or spores.
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How To Deodorize Your Home
We installed a spot purification system on several jobs, and its a fantastic system everyone should look into. Its called WhisperAir Repair , and it purifies contaminated air in your home and quietly deodorizes and removes unwanted smells for a fresher, cleaner indoor environment. Here are some other benefits:
- inhibiting the growth of bacteria, viruses, allergens and mold. Here are some other benefits:
- Also breaks down hazardous substances, for a healthier home environment
- Quietly deodorizes and removes unwanted smells for a fresher, cleaner indoor environment
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